Electromagnetically-Actuated Pilot Valve High Pressure Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetically-actuated piloted valves face challenges with supporting high pressures, complex and costly manufacturing, limited fluid flowrates due to large dimensions, and intricate assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a ferromagnetic tubular element with an annular groove instead of an amagnetic ring, reducing structural weakening and eliminating the need for welding, along with a simplified internal structure that minimizes components and uses elastic means to manage the movable core, allowing for high-pressure operation and adjustable configurations with reduced dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an amagnetic ring is welded to the fixed core to increase electromagnetic force, then the electromagnetic force increases, but the structural strength weakens significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the amagnetic ring component entirely and replaces it with a ferromagnetic ring. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the need for welding while maintaining the electromagnetic force enhancement through the ferromagnetic material's inherent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic parameter of the ring from amagnetic to ferromagnetic. This material parameter change allows the ring to concentrate and guide magnetic flux lines, enhancing electromagnetic force without requiring welding attachment, thus preserving structural integrity.
2Reliability
If multiple reciprocally movable components are used to achieve precise operation, then the valve function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the plug and the main piston into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for precise reciprocal movement between separate components, reducing the number of parts while maintaining the valve's functional reliability through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated plug-main piston component performs multiple functions: it acts as both the sealing element and the flow control element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining operational precision.
3Quantity of substance
If the valve dimensions are increased to enable high fluid flowrates, then the flowrate capacity increases, but the valve occupies more space and becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ferromagnetic materials that provide high magnetic permeability, allowing for more efficient electromagnetic actuation. This enables the use of smaller, lighter valve components while maintaining high flowrate capacity through optimized fluid passage design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the valve to support high pressures, reduce manufacturing and assembly costs, and facilitate high fluid flowrates while maintaining compact dimensions, thus addressing the limitations of existing valves.
Implementation Method 1
When the electromagnet is excited, a magnetic field is generated that originates an electromagnetic force that enables the movable core to move towards the fixed core
Implementation Method 2
The tubular element is made of a ferromagnetic material and contributes to the closing of the magnetic flux lines
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromagnetically-actuated piloted valve (1; 100; 100') comprises a housing (2; 2') provided with a plurality of cavities (3, 4; 3', 4'), through which a pressurised operating fluid can enter or exit the valve (1; 100; 100'), driving means (5, 8, 22) comprising an electromagnet (8), plugging means (23; 23' ) that is longitudinally movable along two opposite parallel directions (K, Y) and driven by the driving means (5, 8, 22). The valve (1; 100; 100') is characterised in that it comprises an abutting element (24), provided with at least one through holes (29) arranged for being selectively engaged or disengaged from the plugging means (23; 23' ) so as to alternatively enable or prevent the operating fluid traversing the hole (29) and thus alternatively enabling or preventing the passage of the operating fluid through the valve (1; 100; 100').